Daily Devotional: What’s up with Justus?

“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place[f] in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles. — Acts 1:21-26 NRSVUE

Justus is one of my favorite minor Bible characters. We know next to nothing about him. He is never quoted and information is scarce about his life. What we do know is that when the disciples decided to replace Judas following his betrayal, Justus was so qualified for the position that he made it to the final interview. Even then, the disciples had trouble selecting who would join them, and decided to cast lots. Matthias became one of the 12. Justus did not.

I know musicians with talent far exceeding voices I hear on the radio. They never “made it big.” I know pastors with greater skills and greater compassion than those who are selected for larger, “choice” churches.

We all know people like this. Sometimes we may wonder what God is up to? I do know that God’s purposes are far beyond those we can fathom. Sadly, I often seem to understand God’s Plans only in my rearview mirror.

But for all I do not know, I am confident we can trust a God Who gave up His Son for us, with the paths of our lives. Live in confidence, my friends.

And have faith. It all comes right.

Prayer: Lord, I may not be where I thought I’d be today, but I still have the power to make a difference for others. I’m here to follow You. Here we go!

Books of Devotions by Rev. Dr. Michael Sanders are available at Ken’s Village Market in Indian River and Brewed Awakenings in Saline.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Daily Devotional: What’s up with Justus?